On June 1, Vermont’s COVID-era emergency motel voucher program ended, leaving 3,000 adults and children without a safe place to live. Many now struggle to find shelter, address their basic needs, maintain community connections, and hold hope for their future.

Despite these dire circumstances, CVOEO staff continue to work toward justice in the Champlain Valley. We continue to offer shelter to community members in need at Tim’s House and Laurie’s House. We continue to offer support and emergency resources through our Community Resource Center and Community Outreach and Resource Advocacy efforts. We continue to distribute food through our three Food Access Centers and the Food Access Network, field calls and offer case management through our Community Action Network, and advocate for our legislators to join us and respond to Vermont’s ongoing and worsening housing crisis.

The challenges we face sometimes feel insurmountable, but we find hope in community. This June, we invite you to join us as we continue the march toward justice. Let’s show up for our neighbors. We’ve outlined below a few ways that you can get involved, make a difference, support, and even celebrate our community.

A Walk in Their Shoes

This Saturday, June 10 at 1:00PM

Only two days remain to reach our goal to raise $25,000 for the 2023 A Walk in Their Shoes event, hosted by CVOEO’s Samaritan House, Franklin and Grand Isle Community Action, and Voices Against Violence/Laurie’s House, in partnership with Martha’s Kitchen.

All gifts will immediately go to work to help our unhoused neighbors in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Register for the Walk or give now to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness in their transition into safe, affordable, and permanent housing.

A Walk in Their Shoes aims to educate the community about homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties by offering an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges that our unhoused neighbors encounter. Participants are provided with a guided tour around St. Albans by CVOEO staff members who share information about what it means to experience homelessness in our community.

In our words, in our community

Taylor Park in St. Albans on June 10

In our words, in our community is a collaborative, public arts and humanities exhibit created in partnership with CVOEO, Vermont Folklife, and photographer Macaulay Lerman. All are invited to join us for the St. Albans pop-up of the exhibit on Saturday, June 10 from 11:00AM-4:00PM in Taylor Park in St. Albans.

Guided by direct input from a group of Vermonters and the social service workers who aim to address their daily needs, In our words, in our community amplifies the voices of people experiencing the complex dynamics of homelessness, food insecurity, and economic challenges. The exhibit consists of 15 photographic portraits and audio excerpts from in-depth interviews conducted by Vermont Folklife staff over the past two years.

In our words, in our community will travel around the Champlain Valley through October with pop-ups in various community-based locations.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Celebrating with CVOEO staff

On the occasion of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we are sharing stories and perspectives from across CVOEO that showcase what pride means to our staff. We are excited to begin this series with our colleague, Holly Moriglioni, Children’s Services and Professional Development Manager for Champlain Valley Head Start.

When asked what LGBTQ+ figures inspire her, Holly shared:

"I am inspired by my son, Sam. He is true to himself, his beliefs, and his identity as a transgender person. He speaks up and speaks out with compassion, to advocate for affirming learning environments and equality for the queer community; and speaks against transphobia, homophobia, and all other forms of systemic oppression. He is brave, he is kind, he is authentic."

Stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook for our next features, and view our social media stories for events and opportunities from community leaders and organizations who support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in the Champlain Valley.

Juneteenth

Join CVOEO on June 17 at 11:00AM

A federal holiday in the United States, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. 

CVOEO staff will celebrate Juneteenth internally with a gathering on June 15, including lunch and guest speaker, Rajnii Eddins. Rajnii will facilitate a conversation about Juneteenth, its meaning, and impact on our community.

In addition, CVOEO is excited to join the City of Burlington on June 17 for JUNETEENTH BTV from 11:00AM-4:00PM. If you attend the event, stop by our booth, say hello, and learn more about CVOEO's programs and services!

Meet the Board of Directors

Anne Rosenblum

As part of our ongoing effort to highlight members of CVOEO's Board of Directors, we are pleased to introduce Anne Rosenblum, Board of Directors Secretary and representative from Chittenden County. 

"I am deeply impressed by the energy and effort CVOEO’s staff devotes to helping others in our community overcome obstacles and persevere through hard times. It’s an honor to witness and support that work by serving on the Board."

Join one of the VermontBiz and Vermont Chamber of Commerce's top 57 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2023. At CVOEO, our caring and dedicated staff is the heart and soul of our organization, and we want you to join us.